Police in Azerbaijan have arrested dozens of protesters rallying for democratic reforms in the authoritarian republic.
Authorities had banned Saturday’s demonstration in the capital Baku, sealing off central streets and public squares and detaining several organizers in the run—up to the rally. An AP reporter witnessed the arrests.
But activists nevertheless held several gatherings around the city. At the largest, which featured several hundred people, the protesters unfurled anti—government banners and cried “We want freedom!” in English.
The head of the opposition party Musavat, Isa Qambar, told The Associated Press that 200 people were detained. The number couldn’t be immediately verified with police.
Azerbaijan has been ruled since 2003 by authoritarian President Ilham Aliyev.
